Meat Locks: Championship Weekend

Some big time, monster games this week. If you aren’t tuned into some college football this weekend, you’re doing it wrong. Playoff implications with 6 teams vying for their shot at sneaking in with a victory and on top of that, a few teams fighting for a big time bowl game. Be ready for some battles this weekend and be ready to put some cheek grooves in your couch Saturday. Your wife will have to wait for you to do the dishes. I didn’t write an article last week but had I, it would be have been a nice weekend. Rats… I won’t indulge cuz no one wants to hear ‘woulda, coulda, shoulda!’ Let’s talk about what we ‘could, would and should’ bet on this week.

ACC Championship #6 Miami vs. #1 Clemson (-9.5)

This is becoming an annual event for Clemson and this is Miami’s first trip to the ACC title game in a long time. I’m so happy for Coach Richt on a great season but this is where the party ends for the ‘Canes. The front 7 of Clemson is going to wreak havoc on the ‘Canes offense and cause problems all night. Clemson has a very good defense and a balanced offense. The Notre Dame and the Virginia Tech wins don’t look nearly as big for them after both teams have cooled drastically and after seeing Miami go down against a pedestrian Pitt team, I’m lukewarm on these guys. This offense just didn’t look the same. A couple injuries on the offensive side of the ball there and a well coached, well prepared Tigers team with their sites set on another title, I’ve got Clemson winning and covering. Give me Clemson -9.5…final score 31-17.

Mountain West Championship #25 Fresno St at Boise St (-8.5)

Fresno St. just got done beating up on Boise at home last week but now they travel up to the Smurf Turf. Boise only scored 17 points last week so the biggest question for me here is can the Broncos get their offense rolling at home to take the Mountain West title? I think they can get the W but I don’t think they’re taking this game by more than a touchdown. Jeff Tedford is the QB whisperer and he’s got a good one in McMaryion who’s only thrown 3 picks this season. I like Fresno to go up there and get the job done in a close one. 28-26 Fresno. Boise misses a 2PT try to tie late in the game. Give me Fresno +8.5 all day!

Big 12 Championship #11 TCU vs. #3 Oklahoma (-7)

Heisman lock Baker Mayfield and the Sooners still have work to do to make their way into the final 4…a showdown vs. TCU and their stout D. I read an article saying that a Big-12 Championship would have strengthened the Sooners resume and gotten them into the College Football Playoff last year but with them locked in at #3 at this point in the season, having the first Big-12 Championship game could really hurt them. Funny how timing works. I got to be honest though, Baker Mayfield is by far and away the best college football player in the country and the chip on his shoulder is by far and away bigger than any in the country as well and I fully expect the Sooners to ride it. They not only believe they belong in the CFP but they believe they’re the best team. Their playoffs start Saturday and they must be ready. Their offense will continue to roll and their D will continue to struggle but I’m taking the Sooners here. Give me a Sooners ‘W’ and cover on their search for a Baker’s Dozen (or more) W’s. OU 37 – TCU 28

AAC Championship Game #20 Memphis at #14 UCF (-7)

Memphis takes their second trip to Orlando to play UCF. Last time they came to town, they got waxed 40-13 by the Golden Knights. This turnaround by Scott Frost from a winless season two years ago to an undefeated season so far this year, is quite an accomplishment and his squad has earned this bid. Looking at them being ranked #14 I feel they’re getting disrespected. Same goes for Memphis though. These two teams are the two highest scoring teams in the nation so look for fireworks. Memphis turned the ball over 4 times last matchup…since then they’ve been balling though. I expect the Tigers to keep things close and get into a shootout here. I’m taking Memphis +7 and going to continue to ride them until they let me down. Final score UCF 40 – Memphis 37. O/U is 83.5 so I’ll skip that.

Big 10 Championship #8 Ohio St (-5.5) vs #4 Wisconsin

JT Barrett just had surgery and is expected to start. Wisconsin still doesn’t look like they’ve played a great team but here with an opportunity to prove they’re worthy of a top-4 bid. Being an underdog and sitting in the driver seat of a bid to the College Football Playoff tells me they know what’s at stake. I expect them to continue to pound the rock and squeeze out a victory. Ohio St is playing their best ball but they’ve proven they can be beat. On Wisconsin to the CFP with a victory 34-31.

Those are some championship winners right there. Also give me Troy +1, Florida St -27, USC -3.5 and Auburn -2.5. Oh and take the overs in Georgia/Auburn, Ohio St/Wisconsin, Miami/Clemson and maybe even that OU/TCU game.

Here’s one other bet to throw a small bet at: Akron is +1000 on the ML against Toledo. They’re playing an in state rival for the MAC Championship…I’ve seen crazier things happen and +1000 is one helluva payout. Just throw $10 down and you’ll win a $100 if it hits. I mean damn, I like it.